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Why Addicts Lie

There are many warning signs of addiction, and telling lies is one of the earliest identifiable signs. Identifying an addict’s lies and their motivations for lying can help you uncover your loved one’s addiction to help guide them towards recovery.

Why Do Addicts Lie?

There are many reasons that addicts tell lies regarding their behavior and drug or alcohol use, including shame and denial as well as changes in the brain that lead to an increase in selfish behaviors.

Often, shame keeps addicts from admitting the truth about their situation. Additionally, they may be focused on fueling their addiction, and denying the truth of their actions may help them continue to use drugs or drink. Worse yet, the brain stimulation common with many types of drug abuse can actually increase an addict’s selfish behaviors,1 which can include lying.

Addicts lie to keep their addiction going, to hide their shame, and often because of brain changes that happen during addiction. Many addicts have difficulty with decision making and other crucial elements of everyday executive function as a result of prolonged drug or alcohol use. This, coupled with a desire to keep their addictions going, is a big reason behind why addicts lie.

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Identifying Addict’s Lies

So, how do you split the truth from the lie? How can you identify when an addict is lying, and what can you do about it? When someone is lying, there are changes in body language or voice tone. Common signs that someone is lying include2:

  • Avoiding eye contact
  • Fidgeting
  • Repeating questions before answering them
  • Getting too detailed or too vague with a story
  • Playing with their hair while talking

If you suspect that your loved one is lying and this lying behavior is stemming from active addiction, our team at Banyan Detox Stuart is here to help. We offer addiction treatment in Stuart that can help addicts and alcoholics get and stay sober.

What to Do When an Addict Lies

Addiction is a family disease, and when your loved one is lying because of their addiction, it’s easy to feel hurt. It is easy to feel frustrated, betrayed, or upset. But it’s important to remember that your loved one’s actions are controlled by the drugs or alcohol they are abusing when they are struggling with addiction. This is not who they are at their core, and they need your help to break free from addiction’s dangerous stronghold.

An intervention can help set your child, friend, family member, or loved one on the right path to recovery. We offer Treasure Coast intervention planning services and support to help families get their loved one on the track of recovery. If you suspect that your loved one is lying to support their active addiction, call 888-280-4763 to see how we can help.